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<br />Minor Exception No. 2005-06 <br />August 22, 2005 <br />Page 2 <br /> <br />materials of the residence by incorporating similar materials, such as 12- <br /> <br />inch wide horizontal "hardie" <br />applied to the lower portion <br />wrought iron panels will be <br />(Exhibits 3 and 4) . <br /> <br />siding on the upper half and brick veneer <br />of the fence. Addi tionally, 18 - inch wide <br />utilized between the solid masonry walls <br /> <br />Analysis of the Issues <br /> <br />Section 41-610 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code establishes height <br />regulations for the construction of front yard fences. Properties that <br />are located along non-arterial streets, such as Heliotrope Drive, are <br />limited to a maximum fence height of three-feet. Additionally, the front <br />yard fence regulations limit the solid portion of fences to a maximum of <br />18-inches in height. <br /> <br />The applicant is proposing a solid six-foot tall fence within the <br />prevailing front yard setback that exceeds the front yard fence <br />regulations. The applicant states that the wall will provide additional <br />security and privacy for the property. Additionally, the applicant states <br />that the construction of the fence would allow for better use of the front <br />yard area by adding additional landscaping and creating an enclosed garden <br />setting. This request will require approval of a minor exception for the <br />following reasons: <br /> <br />1. The proposed fence does not conform to Section 41-610 (a) as the <br />proposed fence will measure six feet in height and will exceed the <br />maximum allowed fence height by 36 inches. <br /> <br />2. The proposed fence will also not conform to Section 41-610 (f) (2) as <br />the fence will be entirely solid. This request exceeds the code <br />regulation limiting the solid portion of walls and fences to 18 <br />inches by 54 inches. <br /> <br />Staff surveyed the surrounding neighborhood and observed that the majority <br />of the properties on Heliotrope Drive have large prevailing front yard <br />setbacks ranging from 40 feet to 60 feet. With the exception of two <br />properties, the majority of the properties on this block have large open <br />front yards with some hedges and a few fences that are reflective of the <br />current code height regulations. The remaining properties have no fences <br />at all. The large open front yard setbacks on Heliotrope Drive contribute <br />to the positive aesthetic character of the existing neighborhood. An <br />intrusion into the existing streetscape pattern, such as the proposed <br />solid six-foot tall fence, will negatively impact the visual appearance <br />and character of the neighborhood. <br /> <br />31 B-3 <br />